Advice for New Bartenders

The number one email question I get is "what should a rookie bartender know before they start their first shift?" or "what should a new bartender do to becomes successful?". So instead of answering each question independently I figured I could put together a good summary post that will get the basics out of the way. This is also a good post for anyone that frequents a bar because it will give you some insight into what goes on behind the mahogany, or laminated press board.

Bartender Advice

1. Be a professional! You may be going through university, with no intention of being a career bartender, but that doesn't mean you can be a slacker. You will be surprised at how many important people come through a bar. Many of these people own businesses, law firms, sports teams and anything else you can think of. If you are working your way through school, these people can be a significant asset to have when you graduate, they may even offer you a job. It's not what you know, but who you know. People also tip better when you treat them with dignity and respect.

2. Stand Your Ground. The Food & Beverage world is an odd work environment. Most of the time the owners completely ignore the labour laws and the rights of the workers. I can almost guarantee you'll get harassed at some point in time, especially if you are a girl. You’ll also work with a lot of people who will try to boss you around. So, be strong, hold your ground and don't let anyone push you around. Don’t be afraid to quit on the spot if you feel the work conditions aren’t to your liking. There are plenty of jobs and showing integrity and fortitude are characteristics that impress real employers. But be prepared to slog it out until you get a month or two of experience. Then start climbing the ladder to bigger and better things.

New Bartender First Shift Tips

1. Keep moving and don't stop. There is always something to do behind a bar. That rules always applies to the rookie, and the pro. If you can’t find anything to do, ask one of the seasoned bartenders. If you want to impress, ask for a couple of things to do, which will help you avoid pestering the bartenders all the time.

2. Stay out of the way. When the rush hits and the main bartenders get started, watch and learn, but don’t get in their way. Bartending with other people can be like a dance and everyone needs to know the steps. Since you are new, you don’t know the steps, which means you are going to be stepping on peoples feet and pissing them off. The best you can do, is to do what they tell you to do. Stock the bar, clean the bar, clear the bar.

3. Do not under any circumstances touch the tips. Most seasoned bartenders have had to deal with thieves behind the bar. Like I said this industry is interesting and unfortunately theft is rampant in this business. Since you are new, what you make in tips is at the courtesy of the experienced bartenders. It is their skills and experience that makes the customers happy and earns the tips. You will have to spend a little time earning their trust and respect before you will be trusted touching the money. Don’t take it personally.

4. Keep your conversations short. As a new bartender it is easy to get stuck in a conversation with a lonely bar patron. Then you will fall behind, which won't make anyone happy. If you need to break a conversation, walk backwards while talking to the patron until the conversation falls apart. Do what you have to do, then restart the conversation. Or be honest and say you have work to do and you'll be right back.

Consider bartending a “trade” like a welder or pipe fitter. You don’t just walk in and become great because you stand behind the wood. It takes time and skill to develop into a professional. As you get better you will start to get the feeling that you are “in control” and it no longer feels like you are riding a mechanical bull on the highest setting. Then you will get to a point where it seems you see everything, hear everything and know everything.

Only then does it become a true joy to bartend. Then you will start to “dance” with your co-workers and it will seems like you can read their mind and predict their moves before they make them. This is because you will have the knowledge and understanding of what needs to be done and you’ll be able to do it quickly and efficiently.

Bartending is more complicated then it looks, but real pro’s make it look easy.

4 Comments on Advice for New Bartenders

By Kim LeMaire on September 28, 2007 12:54 PM

nicely written..being a bartender in Louisiana for nearly 16yrs, I have come across aaaallllloooottt of new kids, and I can assure you that I've had my feet stepped on, On a weekly basis sometimes..they usually don't last for long..But, I will be wise to explain the rules......
thanks

Great site. My company, Cocktail Cool LLC, is co-organizing the IBA Championship in Taiwan this November. I'd love to submit an article on the subject. Our site is still being worked on but the content is up for any comments or criticisms: http://www.cocktailcool.com
Our bilingual bartender guide (Chinese/English) will be available November 22, to be launched at the IBA Championship four day event in Kaoshiung, Taiwan. Our site is bilingual as well and if you are interested in contributing or linking we will get your article translated and available to China. Thanks for any forthcoming.
Best Regards,
Ryan McCLure
Operations
Cocktail Cool LLC

By Busy barback on June 30, 2009 2:06 PM

On this subject and from my perspective. It is not only the rookie (*Bartender) and in many cases even more so the seasoned Bartender, who seems to think that there only responcibility is to the patron on the other side of the bar, and totally neglet or are oblivious to their side of the bar. Glasses left in the glass washer instead of being put away,especially Draught glasses not being put in chiller. I constantly see bartender tring to put a 25th,26th 27th, etc empty beer bottle in a case that only came with 24, liqour bottles and shot glasses left where they were last used to mix a drink. I could go on and on but I think most bartenders realize these short comming ,it is just that no one seems to want to correct them
* Bartender should actually be removed from the english language It is a long lost art. Instead maybe it would be better to clasify this job discription as Counter person. If you want to be a professional act professionaly

By Dom Pentreath Sutton on July 5, 2009 11:50 AM

Ahh I love bartending. I am 12 years in and one of the most rewarding parts has been the many many awesome bartenders i have helped to create.

my very first shift as a bar back, my tutor told me to empty the bottle in the sink then put it in the bin! now i am not totally stupid. but due to nerves i did it in reverse and put the bottle in the sink after emptying it in the bin! LOL.

I think if Bartending is a profession and a noble one at that, then the mark of the great is not just his ability to make drinks entertain his guests and have that 30 minute foresight every great bartender has. but also to see the strengths in those on there way up. I would not be the bartender i am if others had not taken the time to guide me along the path..

forgive the bruised toes and the over stuffed boxes. and direct and nuture the next generation!